Kade watched as a man in cuffs and a jumpsuit walked into the room and took a seat at the table.

"Damn Kade." He said in a hoarse voice "It's good to see you again, brother."

"Likewise, Will." Kade leaned over and bumped his fist against the man's "Shit's been hard on you. Sorry I wasn't here to have your back."

"Eh, forget about it. Everyone had to move on at some point, besides, you're here now. So, Why have you come?"

Kade stared at the man as a grin grew. He could see through the man's facade. He acted calm and collected, but the embers of anger were still visible in his eyes.

"I'm getting the group back together and we are changing stages. That includes you."

Will scratched his face with an aloof expression. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm in chains. Besides, a lot has changed Kade. What makes you think you still command me?"

"You're right, a lot has changed." Kade nodded "But some things will never change. You're still a part of the family, and you answer to me. Nothing will change that."

"Bullshit." Will slammed the table and shot up "I'm not bitter you left, but if you think you can abandon us and return four years later as if nothing changed, you're wrong!"

Kade frowned "Abandoned you? I told you all that I'd return. I had to leave, we weren't going anywhere Will!" He shouted as he stood "As a leader, I had to improve myself so the family could have a future!"

His emotions flared "We were destined to remain big fish in a small pond until the day we were locked up like you are now! Did you think we could crush thugs for the rest of our lives? The honorable vigilantes fighting fire with fire?"

"Why not?" Will yelled with a red face, spittle flying "We never hurt the innocent! All those we targeted deserved what they got. Degenerates, the lot of 'em. That's who we were, defenders of those without voices! Has your ambition caused you to forget why we did what we did?"

"Fuck off." Kade sneered "You think anyone was happy with what we were doing? They didn't care about the results we achieved, only the methods we used. In their eyes, we were no better."

"Pfft, you've changed." Will calmed dramatically, but his tone was like venom. He sat back down "Maybe you're right, the people didn't appreciate us, but that doesn't matter. Our neighborhood is doing well because of our actions. That was always enough for me."

"As if." Kade's voice lowered as well. He leaned across the table. "Sure, we all wanted to help our community, but that was never our only desire."

"Here we go, you think you know everything don't you?" Will growled as he palmed his face "Go on then, let's hear it."

"Nah, I'm not omniscient. You're just a bit slow so I have to explain shit to you." Kade rapped the table twice before continuing "All of us wanted more from life. We even created a family because we felt neglected. Our vigilantism was just a convenient way to get money while still feeling good about our actions."

Will didn't reply, but it was obvious by his changes in expression that the words were cutting deep.

Kade sighed "Look. I understand you're bitter I left, and I'll man up and accept my fault. I'm the leader and I should have been here for you all. Hell, I'll even be honest and tell you that the military was almost a bust. But, life has given us an opportunity."

He stood up "And we aren't going to miss it, so get your shit together because you're coming with, even if I have to break your legs and drag you."

"Heh, sure. Let me grab my things and we will head out." Will said with bitter sarcasm as he held up his hands.

"That's exactly what's going to happen," Kade said with a grin as he flicked a manila folder across the table "My four years weren't fruitless."

Will furrowed his brows as he opened the folder and took out the documents within. His expression was solemn as he studied the text until he took a deep breath.

"What did it cost?"

"Nothing that I couldn't afford."

The moment he finished speaking, Correctional officers approached and escorted William away. Kade left and waited by the gate. Soon, William appeared in civilian clothes and a bag.

They didn't speak as Kade led him to the SUV where the others were waiting.

The reunion was emotional but brief. There was work to be done.

Less than an hour later, they sat around a table.

"Detrius." Kade said as pointed to the pictures that Jones had printed off "A foreign world filled with treasures galore. This world will be the base for our rise."

His gaze moved to William "Me and you are the muscle. Our job is to grow stronger and milk this world for everything we can."

He turned to Jones "You'll oversee our operations on Earth in the beginning. Gather as much information as you can about anything related to champions, factions, and organizations that have a hand in Detrius."

Turning to Mike and Hank, he continued "You two will move between the Earth and Detrius. Make as many connections as you can, they might come in handy later down the road."

They all nodded before Jones shouted with shaky hands "FWD rises again, baby!"

"I've waited too long for this day." Hank joined in, smacking the table.

Everyone was elated. The family had gathered and would move on to greater things.

Kade gestured to calm down "We operate as we always have, I will only add two rules. First, all of us have to be champions. I don't care if you only handle administration, all of us need to be strong, period."

"Second." He let out a deep breath as his demeanor grew solemn "We. Bow. To. None." emphasizing each word. "We stake it all here. Do or die. Rise or fall, we do it together." He etched his resolve upon them.

"Damn right, that's how it should be." Will chortled

"Agreed!"

"I'd have it no other way."

"Yeah, yeah, me too. But there's one more thing." Jones said as he waved his hand dismissively

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"If we are going to be domineering, we need to look the part. Which means." He gestured to his head and face "You need to take care of all this. As the face of our organization, you can't be looking like a caveman in public."

Kade smirked as he rubbed the scraggly hair on his face "What, you don't think I look good like this?"

"It's not you." This time it was William that spoke up while shaking his head "You're sharp on the surface and maybe a little crazy beneath. Your appearance should reflect that."

Kade couldn't figure out if he should raise his brows or furrowing them, resulting in a warped expression. What did crazy even look like? He didn't have to think about it, the others weren't shy when it came to voicing their opinions.

Three hours later, he left the familiar barber parlor with his friends in tow. He glanced back at the building as he ran his hand through his freshly cut hair.

It wasn't anything nice, if anything it could be considered a hole in the wall. Even so, this was the group's preferred place for haircuts and trims. They had a history with the family that owned the establishment and returning brought back bittersweet memories.

"C'mon, time is short."

Jones snapped him out of his reverie. Today was their last day in town. Jones had dropped out of college, and Mike and Hank quit their jobs in order to chase this opportunity with him.

There were still some things that needed to be taken care of before they left.

-

The sky was a bright orange color due to the sunset. He cast his eyes down, his lips curling down as his vision began to turn hazy.

{Jim Reed}

{1998-2019}

Kade struggled to hold back his tears. The pathetic excuse for a headstone was infuriating, just a ragged block with his name and dates scribed into it.

He knew the reason it was so destitute. This was paid for by his friends that were struggling just to live. The five here were the only ones that cared for Jim, but they hadn't been able to provide anything grand for his rest.

He wanted to hit something. He wanted to vent his rage and self-loathing. It was impossible not to blame himself, he was the heart of the group and should have been here when his people needed him. What was the point of a bright future if you lost those that mattered along the way?

"I'm sorry, Jimmy." Kade choked as he squeezed the neck of the liquor bottle in his hand "I shoulda been here for you."

He couldn't force another word out. All of his emotions had hit him the moment he came to this place and saw what had become of one of his brothers.

They all had issues, but Jim had it rough. He was the only true orphan among them. They met him when they were twelve and they bonded over shared trauma. He had run away from foster care and refused to go back, so he bounced around each of their houses for years.

Despite being the most social and charming of them, he was the loneliest. He always had a far greater issue with abandonment and self-esteem than the others. In hindsight, it wasn't that surprising that he didn't reach out when he needed help.

"We were here, but we didn't help." Mike wiped his face "Stubborn bastard. All you had to do was come get me. I'da set you straight in a heartbeat."

"Shit, who are you kiddin'." Hank nudged him with his elbow "Nothin' could have stopped him that night. He was hell incarnate. But he better know we would have followed without a word."

They were so engrossed in their sorrow that they didn't hear the soft footsteps approaching. It was William that alerted them.

"How're you doing, Ms. Polly."

A small, thin, frail young woman had appeared holding a single hibiscus flower. She had deep bags under her eyes and a dull, lifeless expression.

"I'm okay." She spoke softly, almost too faint to hear.

Kade knew as much as the others. Jim had grown close to a woman after he had left. The woman had lived a tragic life. so tragic that Jim, who struggled himself, felt compelled to help her escape her circumstances. He succeeded, but it cost him his life.

He watched the woman approach, slowly and timidly. She bent down, kissed the flower, and placed it onto the headstone. Her hand drifted to the rough stone and stroked it lightly as her head hung.

After watching for a short time, Kade spoke.

"One day, I will return. When I leave, I will be taking him with me." His voice was firm and resolute but lacked any harshness.

The woman slowly turned her head toward him, but couldn't meet his eyes.

"You're... Kade?"

"Yes."

"You. You're going to take him away from me?"

"You're the one that Jimmy wanted to protect, right?"

The woman showed an expression for the first time, seemingly in a long time. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

Kade gestured, and William acted. A few seconds later, the brawny man supported the woman to stand.

"Jimmy cared about you so much to give you his life." Kade wiped his eyes "But he didn't just give you his life, he gave you his family too."

He took a large swig of the liquor before kneeling on both knees and carefully poured a shot on the grave. He stood and passed the bottle to Jones who did the same. One by one, they performed an intimate ceremony.

"Y-you don't blame me?" Polly asked with furrowed brows.

"Why would I blame you?" Kade asked as his eyes rested on the wilted remnants of countless flowers "Jimmy's choice was his own. One that I am deeply proud of. His only mistake was not coming to his family for help."

His gaze turned to Jones "You know who put him here, don't you?"

"Yeah..." Jones replied while pursing his lips "I keep tabs on them."

Kade's eyes returned to Polly. "The same ones that caused our Polly problems?"

"Yeah. They pulled out of Springfield after Jim torched their shit."

He bent forward "Polly. Look at me."

Polly hesitantly raised her head until her she stared at his mouth.

"In the eyes."

Slowly, her eyes traveled to his.

Kade could see a deep fear within her eyes. He could tell that she was broken. Beneath the fear was loneliness, sorrow, and hopelessness.

"Is there anything you'd like to bring along?"

Her eyes shook lightly and it took a moment for her to respond "I-I don't want to go back there."

"You won't be alone." His voice was gentle "You'll never be alone again."

She studied his face, her eyes darting back and forth rapidly. "Okay."

They left the cemetery on foot and walked down the street. Polly lived close and gave directions until they stood in front of a shabby house.

Jones, Mike, and Hank stayed with Polly while William and Kade walked toward the house. Less than two minutes passed before two men were hauled out of the house roughly.

Kade and William pinned the two on the ground while the others led Polly into the house. Shouts came from the house and continued incessantly.

Soon, sirens rang out and two police cars stopped in front of the house. A familiar man stepped out of one and sighed upon seeing the situation.

"What's going on here?" One of the officers said as his hand rested on his pistol.

"Save your breath, rookie," Tony said as he approached Kade and William. "These two aren't very talkative."

"Sir?"

Tony looked at the two men on the ground, then at Kade and William before walking back to the other officer and resting his hands on his tool belt.

"Shouldn't we at least check on the commotion in the house?" The rookie asked with furrowed brows.

"We don't have a warrant." Tony shrugged.

"We don't need one, we have reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed!"

Tony shot a glare over without replying.

He was familiar with these civilians. They were booked often for misdemeanor drug charges and domestic disputes. He knew that there was more going on in this house, but the same laws that held people accountable also protected them.

If he wanted to bring them in on more serious charges, he had to be able to prove it. Without a witness or a confession, his hands were tied. However, some didn't care about the laws that served to bind them. They only cared about what was right.

Despite his anxiousness, the rookie read between the lines and shut his mouth.

After a few minutes, the group came out of the house carrying a few bags.

"Officer Varez, how long has it been?" Mike chortled with a bright smile.

"Hm, nearly half a year. It's been quiet. Now, want to tell me what this is about?" Tony asked as he gestured to Kade and William.

"Well, Officer, we came with our sister to help her pack her things, but these two men attacked Kade and William. Just look at my friends, all bloody!" Mike cried indignantly.

Tony looked over to see Kade and William stand up before Kade reared back and clocked William in the face. William staggered a few steps before steadying himself. He walked back up and returned the strike.

Both of them turned to Tony and pointed at their faces as blood began to pour from their noses.

"Hm." Tony narrowed his eyes and shined his flashlight on them "They do look a bit worse for wear. I suppose you'd like to press charges for assault?"

Mike smiled knowingly "We aren't very knowledgeable of the law, so we will do as you advise."

"What the hell is this?" The older man shouted "These men ca--"

William kicked out, slamming his foot into the man's jaw before stumbling forward dramatically.

"We've already taken your statements, so you all can get going." Tony lowered his head as if he had seen nothing "We'll take care of everything."

"Thank you, officer."

They quickly left as to not cause any more issues. Tony had been lenient enough throughout their lives, the entire department had.

Besides, they were pressed for time more so now that they had to make arrangements for Polly. Life was going to be busy for all of them.

...

Kade walked through the doors and saluted the man behind the desk.

"At ease." The man said as he placed his pen on the desk "Why have you come, former Sergeant Kade?"

"I've come to ask about a method to visit the Yonkel faction territory, sir."

"The apostles have built portals to their respective god factions on base, but it's not easy to secure passage. Usually, only members of the faction and affiliated parties can use the portals. Otherwise, you have to be invited by someone with status."

Kade nodded "That's good. I was extended an invitation by an apostle. Can you direct me to the portal, sir?"

"They are at the east side of the base, they're impossible to miss."

"Thank you, Colonel." Kade said while saluting before turning to walk out.

"Wait. You're really going to leave without giving me an explanation." The Colonel's voice was stern.

Kade turned, his face warped into a guilty smile "I had to. I take care of my own. You can understand that better than anyone."

"That's different, Kade." The Colonel replied in exasperation "Despite your insubordination, you always did the right thing. You were a good soldier and leader. Not a felon."

"To me, it's the same. I made a decision that had consequences, but you bailed me out. I only did the same."

"You were my responsibility!" The man shouted while slamming his fist into the desk.

Kade waited for the man to calm down before speaking "And he is mine. I refuse to let him rot when I can do something about it."

"Surely there was another way." The man's expression showed pain "I can't help you with this."

Kade smiled "I know. You've done enough for me as is. You need to let me bear the consequences on my own this time."

"You know they are going to hang you out to dry, right? They are going to vilify you."

Kade nodded "I know."

"Heh." The man rubbed his forehead "Four years of service, multiple accolades, and decorations. All gone."

"It was worth it. My four years and the deal I made." Kade said resolutely "I made lifelong, loyal friends in my service. And I've helped my family with my choice."

"Okay." The man released a deep breath before standing up "As long as you are content with your decision, then I can respect your resolution."

He walked around the desk and stood in front of Kade before reaching out his hand. "Thank you for your service. It was an honor to have you serve as a sergeant under my banner."

Kade grasped his hand firmly "The honor was mine. Thanks for teaching me what it means to be a good leader."

Kade released his hand and disappeared through the doorway with a steady stride.